Primitive camping opportunities near McDowell, Virginia include a mix of forest and riverside sites across the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests. Nighttime temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, with recorded drops to 30°F in October even when daytime highs reach 60°F. Campers regularly encounter wildlife, particularly in riverside locations where deer and other animals gather at dawn and dusk.
What to do
Fishing at Switzer Lake: The lake offers decent fishing opportunities with trout catches reported by multiple campers. Visitors can use the boat ramp but should note that "only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed" according to Emil D., who has camped at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping for over ten years.
Trail hiking from campsites: Several camping areas connect directly to trail systems. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, Tommy S. notes there's "a nice trailhead at the south end of little river road" while at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, Cara P. simply states, "I'm all about trails so this place was greaaat!"
Swimming spots near camps: During summer months, look for swimming holes near riverside camps. Lauren M. at Switzer Lake describes finding "a beautiful area" with accessible swimming spots, while at Little River, Tommy S. recommends: "When you park and walk down to the river, if you turn right, there's a beach area about 50 yards down that offers a great spot to take a dip!"
What campers like
Remote solitude and wildlife viewing: The primitive camping areas around McDowell offer genuine wilderness experiences. At Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, Jim M. describes it as a "great 'out of the way' spot" with "a short ride off the highway" that still feels secluded. Clayton S. notes the area attracts abundant wildlife: "In the spring, it is covered in wild hares."
Riverside camping spots: Many campers praise the water-adjacent sites throughout the region. According to Erik C. at Little River, you'll find "beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest," while Tommy S. notes specific sites: "Little river has about 15 campsites along Little River Road. Most are decent, but a few are absolutely gorgeous."
Free camping with minimal restrictions: The dispersed areas around McDowell typically don't require permits or reservations. Mikaela K. found Poor Farm accessible even with a larger vehicle: "Wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part."
What you should know
Road conditions and vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas require navigating challenging forest roads. According to Mike C. at Switzer Lake, "be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you." For Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6, Dave V. recommends "road bicycles with tires no narrower than 700x32 or mountain bikes" because "there were soggy sections that would cause difficulty for thin tires."
Bear safety protocols: Black bears are active throughout the region. Luke M. at Little River reports a concerning encounter: "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear." He recommends keeping "ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe." Emil D. at Switzer Lake confirms: "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times."
Camping etiquette and impact: Many sites show evidence of previous camper impact. Matt M. at Switzer Lake was "pretty discouraged by the amount of trash" and Adrian F. encourages visitors to "pack in what you pack out and more if possible." Luke M. notes at Little River that "while the wilderness is beautiful and untouched, the previous campers left behind some sweet teas and cans, which probably is why the wildlife was so close."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with established facilities: For camping with children, sites with toilets provide essential convenience. At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, Ralph P. notes the camp area "sits under a canopy of cedar trees" and is good for tent camping or camper vans, with "plenty of firewood for use." Heather J. mentions the "convenient location, nice setup with tables and chairs around 2 firepits."
Look for shallow water play areas: Several campsites feature kid-friendly water access. Ashley W. describes Little River as having "wildflowers and ferns and grassy spots right by the river. Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits," making them ideal for longer family stays.
Consider weather fluctuations: Mountain weather changes rapidly in all seasons. Mike C. reports from Switzer Lake in October: "Average Daily Temp: 61, Average Evening Temp: 30" - a 31-degree temperature swing requiring appropriate clothing and sleeping gear for children.
Tips from RVers
Maximum RV sizes for forest roads: Most dispersed sites around McDowell have limitations for larger vehicles. Clayton S. notes at Poor Farm: "There is a large clearing off of Hidden Valley Rd (38.14822,-79.76883) just past Poor Farm Camp A Rd. that can easily accommodate multiple vehicles with 3 or 4 fire pits." However, Emil D. cautions at Switzer Lake that "the road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles."
Hookup availability and alternatives: No dispersed camping areas offer hookups. R C. advises that at Poor Farm, you "need to be self sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house. No cell coverage."
River crossing assessment: Some sites require navigating water crossings that vary seasonally. Matthew F. reports about Switzer Lake: "The road is pretty rocky, but nothing crazy... Take it slow and most vehicles can get by."
